Rampling Says Oscars Row Is Racist To Whites

Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling has caused controversy in the debate over diversity at the Oscars by saying she thinks the row is "racist to whites".

The British actress, who is nominated for her role in 45 Years, was speaking to a French radio station as more names add their voice to this year's boycott.

Rampling added that she thought that "perhaps the black actors did not deserve to make the final list".

There has been a backlash this month over the absence of black stars in the running for the top prizes.

All 20 nominations for best actor/actress and best supporting actor/actress went to white stars this year.

Following the row, the ceremony's organisers - the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - has now pledged to double its membership of women and minorities by 2020.

When asked earlier if she thought the Academy should improve its diversity with quotas, 69-year-old Rampling said: "Why classify people? These days everyone is more or less accepted.

"People will always say, 'Him, he's less handsome'; 'Him, he's too black'; 'He is too white'. Someone will always be saying, 'You are too [this or that]'... But do we have to take from this that there should be lots of minorities everywhere?"

The actor, who missed out on a nomination for his role in Concussion, told Good Morning America he felt he had to "protect and fight for ideals that make our country and make our Hollywood community great, so when I look at the series of nominations of the Academy, it's not reflecting that beauty".

When it was suggested to Rampling that the black community in the film industry feels like a minority, she answered: "No comment".

Chris Rock is due to host the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles but has been facing calls from high-profile names to pull out.